Food and beverage-led hospitality group AVC Australian Venue Co. is further investing in the Queensland market by launching two more renovation projects in SEQ pubs – Crown Hotel in the Brisbane suburb of Lutwyche and Beenleigh Tavern in Logan’s Beenleigh. 

These projects follow several major renovations in Queensland this financial year, including Bonny View Hotel in Bald Hills, Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, Fitzy’s in Loganholme and King’s Beach Tavern on the Sunshine Coast.

Australian Venue Co owns more than 80 pubs on the Sunshine State and aims to revitalise the pub landscape in Queensland, with more than 24 venue renovations planned within four years.

The heritage Crown Hotel was established in 1881 and sits proudly on Lutwyche Road. The $2.4m renovation will preserve the pub’s heritage character, while completely revitalising the interiors to create a modern drinking & dining experience for the local Lutwyche community. The entirely refurbished bistro will have an open air area opening onto the showstopping new beer garden and heritage pavilion, with seating for 140 patrons for casual drinking & dining. The sports bar is also getting a major renovation and the gaming room a light refresh. Crown Hotel will re-open later in the year.

The Beenleigh Tavern in Logan has a long history as a live music venue. The renovation investment is $1.45 million and it will create a new look sports bar that will be perfect for after work drinks and its bringing back live music – setting up the pub to become the major live music destination in the area. On the same site as the upcoming Distillery Road Market, the new-look Beenleigh Tavern will offer hearty meals, no-fuss drinks and live entertainment from Thursday-Sunday each week.

The bistro will have a fresh new look and a new menu that offers pub classics, sharing plates and good value. The updated kids’ play area and kids’ menu will make the Beenleigh Tavern an easy choice for family dining.

Australian Venue Co COO, Craig Ellison, said the group is excited to be investing further into its Queensland venues.

“The Queensland market is very important to Australian Venue Co and we want to ensure that we are providing communities with local venues they can be proud of. The local pub should sit at the heart of any community and therefore we are investing heavily on renovations to bring heritage properties back to life as well as refresh the more modern venues, so they cater to those that live and work in the area.

“We know the SEQ market is growing, as is the whole of Queensland, and we will continue to invest in the Sunshine State.”

Opening dates are yet to be announced, but Beenleigh Tavern is expected to re-open this winter, followed by Crown Hotel’s re-opening this spring.

Australian Venue Co prides itself on its portfolio of more than 160 unique and individual venues across Australia and New Zealand. The group’s approach is to encourage local leadership and to tailor venues to local community tastes, supported by the group’s centralised support office, including HR, finance and marketing.